Getting Home Health Care

Usually, once your doctor refers you for home health services, staff from the home health agency will come to your home to talk to you about your needs and ask you some questions about your health. The home health agency will also talk to your doctor about your care and keep your doctor updated about your progress. Doctor’s orders are needed to start care.
Your plan of care
Your home health agency will work with you and your doctor to develop your plan of care. A plan of care lists what kind of services and care you should get for your health problem. You have the right to be involved in any decisions about your Your plan of care includes the following:
* What services you need
* Which health care professionals should give these services
* How often you will need the services
* The medical equipment you need
* What results your doctor expects from your treatment

Your home health agency must provide you with all the home care listed in your plan of care, including services and medical supplies. The agency may do this through its own staff or through an arrangement with another agency; or by hiring nurses, therapists, home health aides, and medical social service counselors to meet your needs.

Your doctor and home health team review your plan of care as often as necessary, but at least once every 60 days. If your health problems change, the home health team should tell your doctor right away. Your plan of care will be reviewed and may change. Your home health team should only change your plan of care with your doctor’s approval. Your home health team should also tell you about any changes in your plan of care. If you have a question about your care, or if you feel your needs aren’t being met, talk to both your doctor and the home health team.

The home health team will teach you (and your family or friends who are helping you) to continue any care you may need, including wound care, therapy, and disease management. You should learn to recognize problems like infection or shortness of breath, and know what to do or whom to contact if they happen.